3 Veterans Philadelphia Eagles Must Part with Before 2014 Season

3 Veterans Philadelphia Eagles Must Part with Before 2014 Season

For Jason Avant, the writing was on the wall last season. He saw himself become less and less involved in the Eagles offense and was inevitably cut before free agency began.

Which Eagle will be next? With a year under his belt, Chip Kelly must now have some sort of idea as to which players from the Andy Reid era he intends to keep around and which he does not.

Here are three Eagles who could be hitting the road before the start of the season.

1. Brandon Graham

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Tim Donnelly/Associated Press

Brandon Graham played well at the end of the 2012 season and generated excitement that he could have a breakout year in 2013. But he proved to be a poor fit in Billy Davis' 3-4 and played in just 27 percent of snaps in 2013.

However, Graham is not only no longer useful, but he is also owed $1.67 million in 2014 if he is not cut. He is set to be a free agent in 2015, so maybe he will be kept around one more season as a situational player. But Graham could be pushed out if the Eagles draft a difference-making edge-rusher.

2. Casey Matthews

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Michael Perez/Associated Press

Casey Mathews is not only a bust, but he is also a player who makes very little contribution to the team whatsoever. His only role is on special teams, but special teams players can be acquired elsewhere.

DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks are not going anywhere. The acquisition of Emmanuel Acho last offseason could spell the end for Matthews. If the Eagles acquire another inside linebacker in the draft, Matthews' career with the Eagles could be over.

3. Damaris Johnson

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Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Fans and players had high hopes for Damaris Johnson after Chip Kelly came to town, and he was seen as a perfect fit for Kelly's high-octane offense, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

However, the speedy Johnson failed to earn playing time, seeing only two receptions all season. He kept the bench warm behind DeSean Jackson, Riley Cooper and Jason Avant.

Now that Jeremy Maclin is back, Johnson may no longer have any shot of regaining a role with the Eagles. Even with Jason Avant's departure, Johnson must beat out the 6'0" Jeff Maehl and 6'7" Ifeanyi Momah.

Johnson does not bring size to the table, being only 5'8", and his style of play is too similar to Jackson and Maclin's. He is unlikely to survive training camp.